Moving from Ledger to Tangem can mean two very different things: sending assets to a newly created Tangem wallet, or importing the Ledger recovery phrase so Tangem controls the same wallet. The safer choice depends on whether you want new keys or simply a new way to access the old ones.
Quick answer
- Crypto lives on its blockchain, not inside either device.
- A fresh Tangem wallet creates new keys and new receiving addresses. You then transfer each asset on-chain.
- Importing the Ledger recovery phrase reuses the existing keys. It is not an on-chain transfer.
- For a clean security reset, create a new Tangem wallet and send a small test transaction first.
- Do not reset the Ledger until every network, account, token, NFT and staking position has been checked.
Two ways to move from Ledger to Tangem
| Method | What changes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Create a new Tangem wallet and transfer | New private keys and receiving addresses; network fees apply | Anyone seeking a clean break from the old recovery phrase |
| Import the existing recovery phrase | The same keys and accounts are restored on Tangem; no transfer fee | Users who trust the existing phrase and understand passphrases and derivation paths |
Use new keys if there is any doubt: if the Ledger phrase has ever been typed on a website, photographed, backed up to the cloud or shown to another person, importing it into Tangem does not repair the compromise. Set up a new Tangem wallet and transfer the assets instead.
How to transfer crypto to a new Tangem wallet
1. Activate the full Tangem set
Install the official Tangem app, scan the first card, create an access code and add every backup card during onboarding. A seedless setup creates the key inside the secure hardware and copies it securely across the cards in the set.
2. Enable the asset on the correct network
Use Manage Tokens in Tangem before copying an address. Multi-chain tokens such as USDT and USDC require special attention: Ethereum, Tron, BNB Smart Chain, Polygon and Solana are separate networks even when the token ticker is identical.
3. Copy the Tangem receiving address
Select the asset and network, choose Receive and copy the address. Compare the first and last characters after pasting it into Ledger Wallet. Check whether the destination requires a memo or destination tag.
4. Send a small test from Ledger
In Ledger Wallet, choose the source account and Send. Enter the Tangem address, connect the Ledger device and verify the recipient, amount and fee on the device screen. Send an amount small enough to test the route before committing the full balance.
5. Confirm receipt before sending the remainder
Wait for network confirmation and verify that the balance appears under the expected network in Tangem. Repeat this process separately for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and every other blockchain you use.
Keep gas until the end: ERC-20 tokens need ETH, BNB Smart Chain tokens need BNB, and each network has its own native fee asset. Move tokens first and transfer the remaining gas asset last.
Can a Ledger recovery phrase be imported into Tangem?
Current Tangem hardware supports importing BIP39 phrases of 12, 15, 18, 21 or 24 words. A standard Ledger recovery phrase contains 24 words, so it can be imported. If the Ledger wallet also uses an optional passphrase, that exact passphrase must be entered as well. A single different character opens a different wallet.
- Open the official Tangem app and begin setup.
- Scan the new card or ring.
- Choose Other options, then Import wallet.
- Enter the recovery phrase in order and the passphrase if one was used.
- Tap Import, scan the Tangem device and add the remaining backup devices.
Only enter the phrase in the official Tangem app during setup. Never enter it on a website, in a support chat, in remote-access software or in a form sent by SIAMBC, Ledger or Tangem. Legitimate support never needs those words.
Why might a balance be missing after import?
The token may be hidden, the network may not be supported, or the old wallet may use multiple accounts or a different derivation path. Check the known address in a block explorer before assuming funds are lost. Do not send new transactions until the correct account has been identified.
Network and fee checks
| Check | What must match |
|---|---|
| Asset | The same coin or token must be enabled in Tangem |
| Network | The Ledger source account and Tangem receiving address must use the same blockchain |
| Address | Recheck the beginning and end after every copy and paste |
| Gas | Keep enough of the network's native asset to move every token |
| Memo or tag | Include it whenever the receiving flow says it is required |
Before retiring the Ledger
- Review every Ledger account, including additional accounts created for the same asset.
- Check tokens on every network, not only the native coin.
- Review NFTs, staking, liquidity positions, DeFi deposits and claimable rewards.
- Confirm the destination addresses and balances inside Tangem.
- Save important transaction IDs.
- Keep the Ledger and its recovery backup for a reasonable period if you created a completely new Tangem wallet.
Tangem options for a wallet migration
Tangem
฿2,590
- One primary card and two hardware backups
- NFC support for iPhone and Android
- Seedless setup or existing seed import
The button selects Black. White is available on the product page.
Tangem
฿2,190
- Two cards linked to one wallet
- No battery, cable or charging
- A compact entry point to Tangem
The button selects Black. White is available on the product page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to sell my crypto before moving it?
No. If Tangem supports the asset and its network, it can be sent directly from the Ledger-controlled address to the Tangem address.
Does importing the recovery phrase cost a fee?
No blockchain fee is charged because no transaction occurs. Tangem simply restores the same keys.
Does an on-chain transfer cost a fee?
Yes. The blockchain charges a network fee. It is not paid to Ledger, Tangem or SIAMBC.
What if my Ledger wallet uses a passphrase?
Import both the 24-word recovery phrase and the exact passphrase. Wallet software cannot tell you that a passphrase is wrong because every passphrase produces a valid but different wallet.
Can I reset my Ledger immediately after the transfer?
Wait until every network, token, NFT, secondary account and external-wallet position has been checked. Keeping the original device and backup for a while reduces the risk of overlooking an account.
Conclusion
For most people who genuinely want to switch security setups, a new Tangem wallet followed by small test transfers is the cleanest approach. Importing the Ledger recovery phrase is convenient and avoids network fees, but it preserves the old keys and every risk attached to them. Whichever route you choose, match the network, reserve gas and verify receipt before moving the full balance.
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